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All-Argentine crew for France v Morocco fuels World Cup 2026 referee controversy
Facundo Tello, a 44-year-old Argentine referee, will take charge of France's quarter-final against Morocco in Boston on Thursday — the first knockout fixture at this tournament where every match official hails from the same nation, drawing accusations of favouritism toward holders Argentina.
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England navigate weather threat again as storm looms over Norway quarter-final in Miami
England face another potential weather disruption at Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami, after managing an hour-long delay in Mexico City last weekend. The FA is closely monitoring forecasts, with temperatures around 33 degrees and a thunderstorm threat in the area.
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Collina Defends Letexier and Validates Controversial Decisions from Argentina-Egypt
Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's head of refereeing, has backed French referee François Letexier following the controversy surrounding the Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt (3-2), notably justifying the disallowed goal for the Pharaohs by citing a foul by Marwan Attia on Lisandro Martínez.
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Santos seals £50m Manchester United move after Chelsea blocked his path to regular football
Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to £50m to sign Andrey Santos permanently from Chelsea, with the 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder set to undergo a medical in Manchester. Former Chelsea forward Joe Cole says Santos is guaranteed more game time at Old Trafford following Casemiro's departure.
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Half of City fans back Maresca as new head coach despite Guardiola shadow
A poll of 2,318 Manchester City supporters found 50 per cent are happy with Enzo Maresca's appointment as head coach, with just 14 per cent opposed. Maresca, confirmed on June 29, takes his first training session on July 20.
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Townsend urges Scotland to seize rare Springbok test as huge underdogs in Pretoria
Gregor Townsend has called on his Scotland squad to embrace Saturday's Nations Championship clash against world champions South Africa at Loftus Versfeld — their first away test against the Springboks in 12 years.
Rugby -
Arsenal's 16-year-old record-breaker Dowman compared to Yamal ahead of pre-season audition
Max Dowman, the youngest player ever to score in the Premier League, has been likened to Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal by former US prodigy Freddy Adu, with the Arsenal teenager set for extended pre-season minutes.
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Ex-Leicester head coach Bundy joins Exeter Chiefs as forwards and defence coach
Ross Bundy, who spent one season as Leicester Tigers head coach in the Premiership Women's Rugby, has been appointed as an assistant coach at Exeter Chiefs for the 2026/27 campaign, taking charge of forwards and defence.
Rugby -
Barcelona submit official Adeyemi bid as Flick leads Dortmund winger pursuit
Barcelona have made a formal approach to Borussia Dortmund for winger Karim Adeyemi, with Hansi Flick identified as the driving force. The 24-year-old German international has already given his personal approval to the move.
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Fiji Rugby Union chairman demands 'return on investment' from players after Wales defeat
John Sanday, chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union board, has publicly criticised the Flying Fijians following their 39-24 loss to Wales, warning that unpaid board members expect better performances and results from well-paid players and management.
Rugby -
Olympic gold medallist Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang set for France debut against Wallabies in Brisbane
Paris Olympics gold medallist and Pau winger Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang is poised to earn his first France cap against Australia in Brisbane, headlining a weekend in which several sevens stars stepped up in the fifteen-man game across multiple tournaments.
Rugby -
Brahim Diaz left stifling laughter as journalists brawl at Morocco World Cup press conference
Brahim Diaz's pre-match media session ahead of Morocco's World Cup 2026 quarter-final against France descended into chaos on Tuesday when two journalists began fighting, forcing a press officer to intervene and leaving the Real Madrid star visibly amused.
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New York City Mayor backs Egypt's VAR 'robbed' claim after Argentina World Cup defeat
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly sided with Egypt after their 3-2 round-of-16 loss to Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, calling them 'robbed' during a public address — as the Egyptian Football Association filed an official complaint against the referee.
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Manchester United reveal 100,000-seat stadium plans at heart of £7.3bn Trafford Wharfside district
Manchester United have confirmed plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium 350 metres from Old Trafford, forming the centrepiece of the Trafford Wharfside regeneration project projected to generate £7.3bn annually for the UK economy.
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Newcastle eye Camara and Danois as Arsenal circle Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United have identified Monaco's Lamine Camara and Auxerre's Kevin Danois as potential midfield replacements for Bruno Guimaraes, after the Brazilian captain confirmed his desire to leave St James' Park with Arsenal poised to bid.
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Auxerre signs 18-year-old Chinese forward Xiangxin Wei
AJ Auxerre officially announced on Thursday the signing of Xiangxin Wei, an 18-year-old forward from MZ Hakka. The fourth summer recruit for the Burgundy club, the young Chinese U17 international has committed for five seasons.
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Russell warns 2026 cars in wet conditions will be completely unknown territory at Spa
George Russell says Formula 1 drivers cannot properly prepare for a wet race this season, admitting the 2026 machinery's behaviour in the rain remains a mystery. The warning comes ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, a circuit notorious for unpredictable weather.
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Failed Panenka at AFCON: Altercation between Brahim Diaz and Hakimi confirmed
According to L'Équipe, Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi had a heated altercation during Morocco's March gathering following the Real Madrid forward's missed panenka in the 2025 AFCON final. Their relationship remains strained despite Diaz's apologies.
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Burn relishes Haaland duel as England target improvement for Norway quarter-final
Dan Burn has warned England must deliver a significantly better performance than their 3-2 win over Mexico if they are to beat Norway and reach the World Cup semi-finals, while welcoming the prospect of a physical battle with Erling Haaland.
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Manchester United reveal exact site for 100,000-seat stadium in Trafford Wharfside masterplan
Manchester United have confirmed their proposed 100,000-seat stadium will sit 350 metres north-west of the current Old Trafford ground, forming the centrepiece of a sweeping Trafford Wharfside regeneration plan that promises 48,000 jobs and 15,000 new homes.
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